NYRB II travel to North Carolina with playoff hopes on the line

New York Red Bulls II will look to climb back into a playoff spot on Saturday when they travel to take on North Carolina FC.

With only three games remaining on the season, NYRB II are running out of time to pick up points to get them over the line.

NYRB II travel to North Carolina with playoff hopes on the line

The road results have been better of late with back to back draws against Charlotte Independence and Nashville SC, although NYRB II had chances to win both of those games. On the year they are still the only team without a road victory as they have a record of 0-5-10. The lack of scoring over the past couple of games have been a concern. John Wolyniec’s side create a lot of chances but have failed to take them. That must change if they want to make the playoffs.

North Carolina FC come into the game having won 3 out of their last 4 games which has seen them climb into the final via tiebreaker over Nashville SC. While they have a record of only 7-5-4 at home this year, they have only lost one game at home since the beginning of June. Their impressive form has put them in a great position to make the playoffs but they do have tough games against Louisville City and Charlotte Independence to end the season.

In the first meeting between these two teams at Montclair State University Soccer Park the result was a 2-2 draw. NYRB II had the lead twice, but, reduced to 10 men in the second half, North Carolina was able to equalize in the 90th minute.

Players to Watch:

Amando Moreno- The forward grabbed NYRB II’s loan goal last week when he tapped in Stroud’s cross at the back post and it looks like the two of them may have rediscovered their chemistry from earlier this year. Moreno missed the first game against North Carolina due to injury and while it’s taken him a bit to get back up to speed he’s looked dangerous over the past few weeks and could be rediscovering his scoring touch he had before his injury.

Daniel Rios- 17 goals on the season for the forward who has been the biggest reason North Carolina are in a playoff spot. He has scored twice in his last 5 matches and opened the scoring for North Carolina in the game at Montclair State University earlier this season. NYRB II’s defense has been better of late, but Rios is one of the best scorers in the league this year and they’ll have to work hard to keep him quiet in this game.